Delano-based Paramount Citrus will begin supplying Persian limes with its recent acquisition of 9,500 acres in the state of Tabasco, Mexico.

It is the company's first entrée into the lime market. Paramount has previously focused mainly on navel oranges, clementines and lemons.

Almost all limes consumed in North America are grown in Mexico, but a lime orchard was a natural new product line for a citrus company, said Paramount Citrus president David Krause.

"We know that it's something that's growing in consumption as a food ingredient, as a garnish and in beverages," he said. "And because it's grown so far south, you can produce them almost year-round."

Most of the jobs created as a result of the acquisition will be in Mexico, but there could be some opportunities in Delano in service, logistics and sales, Krause said.

Limes are one of the fastest growing categories in citrus and also are vital to the food service industry because of their versatility, Paramount said. They're a popular citrus staple in a variety of cultural cuisines such as Mexican, Southwestern, Thai, Vietnamese and Middle Eastern.

"Paramount Citrus not only stays on top of agriculture research and advances, but culinary and consumer trends as well," said Scott Owens, vice president of sales and marketing, Paramount Citrus. "As cultural cuisines become more mainstream, demands for certain produce increases."